Hay

Hay has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hay's population is around 2,906 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 9 people (0.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,897 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,880 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.20 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilizing the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 281 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 61 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Hay is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Hay has recorded around 4 residential properties granted approval per year, with 23 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $365,000. Additionally, $19.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Hay has significantly less development activity (63.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though construction activity has intensified recently. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 477 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Hay should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Hay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 15 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Hay Structure Plan, John Houston Memorial Pool Upgrade, Hay Health Services Redevelopment, and Bishops Lodge Affordable Housing Development, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.9%, Hay has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Hay possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of only 3.9%. As of December 2025, 1,620 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (69.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 4.7 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 7.9% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.9% combined with employment decreasing by 2.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hay. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Hay SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $50,789 while the average income stands at $62,437. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $55,289 (median) and $67,969 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Hay all fall between the 15th and 28th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.6% of residents (860 people), mirroring regional levels where 29.9% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest with 91.9% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 24th percentile nationally.

Hay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Hay, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Hay was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 47.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.9%) or rented (28.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $894, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $175, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Hay's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Hay features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 64.7% of all households, comprising 22.1% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 33.7% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Hay faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.0%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (29.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 17 active transport stops operating within Hay, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 74 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1749 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 11% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 11.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 10 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hay is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Hay, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,464 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 10.3% and 9.8% of residents, respectively, while 61.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 27.9% of residents aged 65 and over (811 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Hay is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Hay was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.7% of its population being citizens, 92.2% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Hay is Christianity, which makes up 69.7% of people in Hay, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hay are Australian, comprising 33.9% of the population, English, comprising 32.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 6.3% of Hay (vs 4.6% regionally), Maori at 0.5% (vs 0.3%), and Scottish at 7.7% (vs 8.0%).

Hay hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Hay's median age of 48 years is materially older than Regional NSW's 43 and significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.9%), while the 35 - 44 group is comparatively smaller (8.3%) than in Regional NSW. This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 11.5% to 14.9% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 3.1% to 4.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 9.8% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 18.2% to 16.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Hay's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 60 people (23%) from 256 to 317. Senior residents (65+) will drive 88% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.